It’s Toddler Book Talk Tuesday day and today I have a special surprise for you. While I love sharing about the books I’m reading, today I want to also do a craft and incorporate it together just for you. Today’s book is The Legend of the Poinsettia retold and illustrated by Tomie dePaola. The Legend of the Poinsettia is a wonderful children’s book that tells the story of how the poinsettia came to be a symbol of the holiday season. The bright illustrations and sweet storytelling make this a wonderful book to enjoy with your child this holiday season.
In Mexico, the poinsettia is called flor de la Nochebuenao flower of the Holy Night. At Christmastime, the flower blooms and flourishes, the quite exquisite red stars lighting up the countryside. This Mexican legend tells how the poinsettia came to be, through a little girl’s unselfish gift to the Christ Child.
Lucida the heroine in the story is a young girl who lives with her parents and her siblings in Mexico. Lucida’s mother was asked to make a special blanket for the Baby Jesus figure in the procession since the one they had was very old and worn. When Lucida’s mother became ill, Lucida decided to try and finish the blanket on her own but it became so tangled that it was ruined. Lucida was sad that her family no longer had a gift to give until an old woman appeared to her and told her everything would be ok. She also told her that whatever she gave would be ok because it was given with love. Lucida then proceeded to take some weeds that she picked that bloomed into the lovely poinsettias that we all know and love today.
This story teaches that no matter what we give, as long as we give it with love, it’s all that matters. Humility is also taught in this lovely story along with the act of courage and love all around. This is one book that we would recommend. We loved the folklore and the illustrations were bright and beautiful. Here’s another book that totally gets our TWO TINY THUMBS UP!
Now let’s look at this really cute poinsettia ornament that you can make after you’ve enjoyed reading your own book.
With just a few materials, you can make a poinsettia ornament perfect for adorning your tree. Here is how to get started.
Supplies needed:
Clear ornament
Silk poinsettia
White or silver glitter
Ribbon for hanging
Scissors
You can find all of the supplies you need here at both your local dollar store or craft store. Look for plastic ornaments that are shatterproof since this is a craft you will be doing with children. You can choose any color of poinsettias you wish, as you will find them in white, red, and pink.
Directions:
1. Begin by removing the top of the ornament. Sprinkle in a teaspoon or so of glitter and give it a good shake to spread it around.
2. Take a stem of poinsettias and remove the blooms. You can just snip the tops off with scissors. You can also snip a few leaves off if you wish.
3. Now, take the blooms and tuck them into clear ornament. You can use a pencil to press them in and adjust them into position. Add some greenery using the same method.
4. How full you want the ornament to be is up to you. You can add several smaller blooms or one large one.
5. Cut a length of ribbon and tie it to the ornament for hanging.
Your poinsettia ornament is now ready to be displayed. Each time you look at it, you will be reminded of The Legend of the Poinsettia!
